HomeMy WebLinkAboutAirport.Minutes.03-13-2018AIRPORT BOARD MINUTES
March 13, 2019
Sandy’s Place Restaurant
Members Present: Justin Albright, Jeff Brune, Robert Cork, Ryan Dewrock, Brian Ozark
Others Present: Katrina Amos, Deputy Airport Manager; Derrick Irwin, Flight Line
Supervisor; Molly Mehner, Deputy City Manager; Hannah Seesing,
Administrative Clerk
I. Minutes of Previous Meeting:
The meeting was called to order at 11:33am. Mr. Brune moved and Mr. Dewrock seconded
the motion to approve the minutes from the February 13th meeting. The motion was
approved with a unanimous vote.
II. Appearances:
None
III. Old Business:
A. Airport Activity Report – Ms. Amos presented the Airport Usage Report to the Board.
She noted that the airline enplanements were down 9% compared to the previous year. It
was noted that March seems to be trending higher, with several of the flights with 20 or
more passengers. The previous Friday, the flight was near capacity with 49 passengers,
of which 28 of the passengers were SEMO students. Ms. Amos also noted that the
Airport Usage Report had been revised to separate Revenue passengers from Non-
Revenue passengers. Mr. Loy shared that he contacted U.S. Department of
Transportation to determine whether non-revenue passengers factor in to total
enplanements. It was determined that they do not count; however, separating the
passenger types help to identify non-revenue activity.
B. Cape Aviation Report – Mr. Irwin presented the Cape Aviation Report. He reported that
fuel sales were slightly down for the month of February. He attributed this to a shorter
month as well as bad weather that caused numerous airline cancellations and restricted
flight operations. He noted that low lead sales were doing well.
Mr. Irwin updated the Board concerning the new tug. He shared that the tug is on
schedule to be delivered by the end of the week and due to an order cancellation, Global
GSE, offered a tug with fewer hours for the same price.
He also shared that through negotiations with Eastern Aviation Fuels; they agreed to pay
for new signage for the self-serve station. Plans have been sent to Coast-to-Coast signs
and were approved by Eastern.
C. Project Update –
10/28 Lighting Project Update – Ms. Amos informed the Board that the
10/28 lighting project is still in progress, however, has encountered numerous
delays, mostly due to equipment lead time issues. This continues to be the
case as the contractor waits for the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to
be delivered. This project has been going on since June 2016 and staff would
like to see this project come to a close soon. Ms. Amos stated there has been
difficulty trying to establish a timeline for completion. Ms. Mehner asked
what the original proposed completion days were and expressed her desire to
figure this out as soon as possible. It was determined more conversations are
needed with Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly, Inc. as well as Reinhold Electric to
resolve this as soon as possible. Discussion continued on the topic.
D. Air Service Discussion –
Airline Marketing Budget – Ms. Amos shared that City Management had
approved the funds for the marketing plan from Volaire Aviation, Inc.
($29,000.00). There have already been talks with KFVS and Fox News to
begin the marketing campaign as soon as possible. Ms. Mehner confirmed
that the money has been allocated and is available for use.
E. Air Festival Update – Ms. Amos showed the Board a draft of the sponsorship packet for
the 2019 Air Festival as well as a timeline of planning deadlines for show preparation.
She asked that they review and share any of their suggestions. Mr. Brune asked for a list
of past sponsors to know who to reach out to when gathering sponsorships.
F. Facilities Presentation Update – Ms. Mehner and Ms. Amos commented on the
facilities presentation given to the Board at the last meeting and City Council at the
February 19th meeting. Ms. Mehner said the presentation was great and that she felt it had
really gotten the attention of the council noting that multiple council members have since
approached her regarding the airport issues. She said that the council will soon be getting
multiple new members and that she hopes they too will be informed of the pressing needs
at the airport. She shared that it is the desire of city management to advertise a Request
for Proposal (RFP) to private entities to purchase and maintain the old Air Evac and
Corporate hangar structures. She expects this process to begin in the next couple of
months.
G. Eastern Aviation Update – Mr. Irwin informed the board that he was still in
negotiations with Eastern Aviation regarding the acquisition of another Jet A fuel truck.
Discussion continued on the topic.
IV. New Business –
A. Discussion Regarding Potential Visit from CAF Arizona Wing June 18-25 –Ms.
Amos informed the board that the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing had reached
out to make a stop here from June 18-25 with the B-25 Maid in the Shade. They would
provide tours and rides for a fee. They only ask for fuel and would like four hotel rooms
to be sponsored if possible.
B. Discussion Regarding visit from Borui Mao – Ms. Amos shared with the board an
overview of a meeting Mr. Loy had with Borui Mao from Commander Aircraft Corp. She
shared a bit of the history of the relationship between the Commander Corp and Ms. Mao
in that Ms. Mao’s company purchased the Commander assets after they filed bankruptcy.
Ms. Mao says that they are now ready to begin manufacturing the aircraft again. They are
currently based in Norman, OK but Ms. Mao stated that the facility is too small and they
are looking for a new building. She was aware that the City had been trying to sell the
former Commander facility so she brought her CFO with her to tour the facility and meet
with Bruce. Ms. Mao stated that this was just an exploratory visit but that she would
follow up if and when they are ready to make an offer. This has been shared with City
Management and is under consideration.
Mr. Loy shared that he had spoken with Carl Gull, a former employee and member of the
Commander Owner’s Group, to see if he was able to provide additional information on
the company’s status. Mr. Gull expressed that he was surprised to hear they were
beginning to manufacture aircraft, however, he understood that they have resolved some
of the obstacles previously faced, including digitizing the aircraft blue prints. Mr. Cork
asked if there was a possibility to contact the airport in Norman, Oklahoma to see if they
could share information on the company. Discussion continued on the topic.
C. Upcoming Boy Scout Event – March 16-18 – Mr. Cork shared with the Board the plan
for a Boy Scout troop event. This will include classes, plane rides, and other general
aviation education that will earn the scouts their aviation merit badge. He also shared that
the Boy Scout area council would like to plan a “camporee” event for spring of 2019. Ms.
Amos recounted that the last camporee held at the airport in 2008 was a pretty big event
and undertaking for the airport but that she looks forward to working with the Scouts
again.
D. Overview of Budget Discussion with City Management – Ms. Amos and Ms. Mehner
shared details of a recent budget meeting held between Airport staff and City
Management. This proposed budget includes the 2019 Airshow, Tower repairs, as well as
hangar repair, maintenance and new construction. The City Councils Budget retreat will
be held on Monday, March 19th. Mr. Loy will update the Board of any new
developments.
V. Non-Agenda
Adjournment:
There being no other business, Mr. Brune moved to adjourn the meeting and Mr. Dewrock seconded
the motion. All were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 12:01pm.
Minutes prepared by
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Hannah Seesing Administrative Clerk